Tag: I-539

Experiencing a layoff can be a challenging period, especially for those on employment-based visas in the U.S. However, filing an I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, can provide the breathing space needed to strategize your next move. This application allows nonimmigrants to transition from their former employment-based nonimmigrant category to another nonimmigrant status, like a […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a final rule detailing an adjustment in the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation. Under the USCIS Stabilization Act, the current premium processing fees were established, along with the authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to biennially adjust […]

In a significant move, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new exemption that will have a positive impact on applicants filing Form I-539, the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Effective from October 1st, 2023, USCIS has waived the biometric services fee, simplifying the application process for many individuals seeking to extend or […]

In a recent announcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This expansion aims to streamline and expedite the processing of applications seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. The USCIS will […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The previously announced suspension, which was initially […]

On January 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is implementing its final phase of premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 preference categories. This final phase applies to all new (initial) petitions, in addition to all previously filed Form I-140 petitions […]

Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 progress report, which identified its effective backlog reduction in certain programs and how it has supported various humanitarian missions. Specifically, the report summarized the numerous steps that USCIS has taken, including the strengthening of its fiscal stability and implementation of adjudicatory efficiencies, […]

As of March 29th, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new rule that will align premium processing with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act. The new rule will legitimize fees and adjudication timeframes that are set by Congress for the premium processing track. Premium processing is an expedited adjudication service that is […]

On May 3, 2021, Acting Associate Director of Service Center Operations (SCOPS) for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Connie Nolan signed a Declaration announcing the biometrics requirement will be suspended for H-4, L-2 and certain E Applications.  USCIS has the authority to require and collect biometrics, which include fingerprints, photographs, and digital […]